Non-Corrodible Pontoon and Saddle Assemblies

ABSTRACT

The subject disclosure presents assemblies, devices and methods to float a structure over a body of water by using a saddle fastened to a pontoon, whereby the saddle remains above the water line. The saddle includes a plurality of external clamp plates outside a pontoon sidewall, and fastened to one or more internal clamp plates placed inside the pontoon sidewall, thereby clamping the sidewall between them. Attachment points for the external and internal clamp plates are situated at a height that is relatively higher than a water line anticipated when the pontoon is under a load. This ensures that corrodible components are maintained above a water level while the pontoon is floating the structure, reducing corrosion.

This application is a national stage application of PCT/US2012/053713,filed Sep. 4, 2012; which claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/530,301, filed Sep. 1, 2011; the contents ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety intothis disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE SUBJECT DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Subject Disclosure

The present subject disclosure relates to flotation devices. Morespecifically, the present subject disclosure relates to non-corrodiblepontoon and saddle assemblies.

2. Background of the Subject Disclosure

Pontoons are devices used for flotation. Pontoons may be used to floatstructures above a body of water. Pontoons may be of any shape and size,and may include attachment points to attach the structure to be floated,among other components. Frequently, a saddle is used to couple thestructure to the pontoon. The saddle may be fastened to the pontoon, andthe structure coupled to the saddle.

Being immersed in several different environments for extended periods oftime, pontoons, saddles, and fastening mechanisms (hereinafter referredto as a pontoon assembly) are subject to constant wear and tear. A primesource of wear is corrosion caused by electrolysis and exposure to saltwater. For instance, the United States Navy used to employ steelpontoons to float barriers for purposes of national security. Steel mayrust with exposure to salt water. Further, electrolysis caused byenvironmental conditions causes corrosion to metallic components overtime. Fixing these issues required a high level of maintenance,including disassembly, removal of paint and external layers bysandblasting, cleaning, and reinstalling the pontoon assembly.

To get around the corrosion of the pontoon itself, navies and otherentities started using plastic pontoons. Plastic proved to be a betterpontoon design because it is far less dense than water (and steel), andis able to be molded for several different applications. However,plastic is too weak to use to couple heavy structures to pontoons, andtherefore the typical saddle and fastening mechanisms cannot avail ofthis approach. A typical pontoon assembly today consists of a plasticpontoon with a saddle assembly comprising several corrodible steelcomponents (including one or more steel bands wrapped around an outsideof the pontoon to capture the pontoon, and steel fasteners such as nutsand bolts).

Consequently, corrosion issues still exist. General environmentalconditions such as electrolysis cause the steel bands to corrode.Electrolysis may be avoided by applying an anode to the submergedportions of the saddle assembly. However, this is expensive and involvesadditional equipment and maintenance.

SUMMARY OF THE SUBJECT DISCLOSURE

What is being described in this subject disclosure is a pontoon assemblythat maintains any corrodible components above a water level.

The subject disclosure addresses the above-identified deficiencies inthe state of the art by coupling a saddle to a pontoon using fasteningmechanisms positioned at attachment points on the pontoon sidewall at aheight greater than a water line when the pontoon is under a load. Asaddle, including a plurality of external clamp plates, resides on theoutside surface of the pontoon sidewall. The external clamp plates alignwith attachment points on the pontoon sidewalls. One or more internalclamp plates are placed along an inside surface of the pontoon sidewall.The internal clamp plates align with the attachment points on thepontoon. The external clamp plates are fastened to the internal clampplates, thereby clamping the sidewall of the pontoon between theinternal clamp plate and the external clamp plate. The attachment pointsare positioned at a height greater than a water line while the pontoonis floating a structure. In this manner, the corrodible components(including the fastening mechanisms and the saddle with the externalclamp plates) are also maintained above the water line. Consequently,their contact with the water is minimized, reducing corrosion. Further,plastic components may be welded on top of the pontoon, and the saddlefastened to the welded plastic on the pontoon. The presented devices andmethods may be applied not only to pontoons but also to submersibleballast tanks.

In one exemplary embodiment, the subject disclosure is a pontoonassembly for floating a structure above a water line. The pontoonassembly includes a pontoon having a sidewall and a plurality ofattachment points along the sidewall, a plurality of internal clampplates on an inner surface of the sidewall and aligned with theattachment points, a saddle on an outer surface of the sidewall, thesaddle being aligned with the attachment points, and a plurality offasteners to couple the saddle to the plurality of internal clamp platessuch that the sidewall is clamped between the internal clamp plates andthe saddle. The attachment points are at a location such that the saddleis entirely above the water line when the pontoon is providing support.

In another exemplary embodiment, the subject disclosure is a saddleassembly for coupling a structure to a pontoon having a sidewall. Thesaddle assembly includes a plurality of internal clamp plates on aninner surface of the sidewall, a saddle on an outer surface of thesidewall and aligned with the plurality of internal clamp plates, and aplurality of fasteners to fasten the saddle to the plurality of internalclamps such that the sidewall is clamped between the plurality ofinternal clamp plates and the saddle. The plurality of internal clampplates is located such that the saddle is entirely above a water linewhen the pontoon is floating a structure.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the subject disclosure is a methodfor floating a structure above a water line. The method includes placinga plurality of internal clamp plates on an inner surface of a sidewallof a pontoon, placing a saddle on an outer surface of the sidewall, thesaddle being aligned with the plurality of internal clamp plates, andfastening the saddle to the plurality of internal clamp plates using aplurality of fasteners such that the sidewall is clamped between theplurality of internal clamp plates and the saddle. The plurality ofinternal clamp plates is located such that the saddle is entirely abovea water line when the pontoon is floating the structure

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a pontoon assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe subject disclosure.

FIGS. 2A-2C show perspective views of a pontoon assembly, according toan exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure.

FIGS. 3A-3B show exploded views of a saddle, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the subject disclosure.

FIGS. 4A-4C show perspective views of a saddle, according to anexemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure.

FIGS. 5A-5B show a mounting bracket of a saddle, according to anexemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure.

FIGS. 6A-6B show a flange for coupling an external clamp plate to asaddle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure.

FIGS. 7A-7B show views of a cross beam of a saddle, according to anexemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure.

FIGS. 8A-8D show views of an external clamp plate of a saddle, accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure.

FIGS. 9A-9C show views of an internal clamp plate, according to anexemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure.

FIGS. 10A-10B show views of an internal clamp plate having a nut,according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure.

FIGS. 11A-11B show views of attachment points on a pontoon, according toan exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure.

FIGS. 12A-12B show an internal clamp plate being coupled to an innersidewall of a pontoon, according to an exemplary embodiment of thesubject disclosure.

FIGS. 13A-13D show views of an internal clamp plate having verticalstuds, according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBJECT DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure presents devices and methods to float a structureover a body of water by using a saddle coupled to a pontoon, whereby thesaddle and fastening mechanisms remain above a water line. This ensuresthat corrodible components are maintained above water while the pontoonis floating the structure. A pontoon is provided having attachmentpoints positioned along one or more sidewalls of the pontoon at a heightgreater than a water line when the pontoon is under a load. A saddleincluding a plurality of external clamp plates resides on an outsidesurface of a sidewall of the pontoon. The external clamp plates alignwith the attachment points on the pontoon sidewall. One or more internalclamp plates are placed along an inside surface of the pontoon sidewalland in alignment with the attachment points. The external clamp platesare fastened to the internal clamp plates, thereby clamping the sidewallof the pontoon between them. The attachment points are positioned at aheight greater than a water line while the pontoon is floating astructure. In this manner, the corrodible components (including theexternal and internal mounting plates and the fastening mechanism) arealso maintained above the water line. Consequently, their contact withthe water is minimized, reducing corrosion.

“Pontoon”, as used herein and throughout this disclosure, refers to aflotation device used to assist in maintaining and supporting structuresabove water. Pontoons consist of one or more sidewalls defining theexternal surface of the pontoon, and possibly a filler material, such asfoam. The sidewalls may be constructed of any material suitable forfloating structures such as plastic, HDPE, etc., and may be filled withany fluid or solid with a density that is substantially less than thatof water, such as polyurethane foam. A pontoon may support boats/rafts,barriers, drilling equipment, measuring instruments, domiciles,laboratories, and any combinations thereof. Further, a pontoon may bemade submersible by varying the density of the filler material. Such apontoon may also be referred to as a ballast tank.

Any welded components, such as the saddle components, internal clampplates, etc. may conform to AWS D1.1 structural welding codes. All weldsmay be 0.25″ continuous welds. Clamp plates and other components may beASTM A36 or equivalent, with fastening mechanisms such as bolts beingASTM A325 galvanized. With regards to dimensions, provided tolerancesfor 2 decimal places are +/−0.06″, and for three decimal places are+/−0.010″. Tolerances for angles are +/−one degree. Foam filling may betype 1, closed cell, polystyrene, preformed foam logs, or equivalentsthereof. Any plastic parts may be full surface fusion welded.

FIG. 1 shows a pontoon assembly 100, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the subject disclosure. Pontoon assembly 100 includes apontoon 101 coupled to a saddle 111. Pontoon 101 comprises a cylindricalsidewall, and endcaps 107. The saddle 111 is coupled to flanges 113, andeach flange 113 is coupled to an external clamp plate 115. Saddle 111further includes a saddle mount 117, used to couple to a structure to befloated. External clamp plates 115 are adapted to fit snugly against thesidewall of the pontoon. To couple saddle 111 to pontoon 101, boltholesin external clamp plates 115 are aligned with attachment points 109 onthe sidewall of pontoon 101. Attachment points 109 may include boltholesor other fastening mechanisms. For instance, external clamp plates 115may be bolted to internal clamp plates (not shown) residing along aninner surface of the pontoon sidewall, also aligned with attachmentpoints 109. Attachment points 109 are placed such that they remain abovea water line when the pontoon is under a load.

FIGS. 2A-2C show perspective views of a pontoon assembly, according toan exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure. FIG. 2A shows a topview of a saddle 211 fastened to a pontoon 201. Pontoon 201 includes asidewall 203 having attachment points 209 located thereon, and endplates 207. Saddle 211 includes a saddle mount 217, and first and secondflanges 213 that are coupled to first and second external clamp plates215. Boltholes in external clamp plates 215 are aligned with attachmentpoints 209 on sidewall 203, and are used to fasten external clamp plates215 to internal clamp plates 221 placed against an inner surface of thesidewall.

FIG. 2B shows a side view of saddle 211 fastened to pontoon 201.External clamp plates 215, coupled to saddle 211 via flanges 213, arefastened to internal clamp plates (not shown) via attachment points 209on sidewall 203.

FIG. 2C shows a cross-sectional view (along cutaway line B) of saddle211 fastened to pontoon 201. This figure shows pontoon 201 having asidewall with an outer surface 203 and an inner surface 205. A pluralityof internal clamp plates 221 is situated along inner surface 205 andaligned with attachment points 209. Further, external clamp plates 215coupled to saddle 211 via flange 213 are fastened to internal clampplates 221 using fastening mechanisms 225 in a way that clamps thesidewall of pontoon 201 between external clamp plates 215 and internalclamp plates 221. The exemplary fastening mechanism includes inserting abolt 225 into bolt holes in each external clamp plate 215 alongattachment points 209, and securing the bolt 225 to internal clampplates 221 using nuts on the inner sidewall 205 of pontoon 201 toreceive bolt 225. As can be seen, the attachment points are positionedsuch that the corrodible components (mounting plates and saddle) aremaintained above a water line 250 while pontoon 201 is floating astructure that is coupled to saddle mount 217.

FIGS. 3A-3B show exploded views of a saddle, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the subject disclosure. Referring to FIG. 3A, saddle 311includes a saddle mount 317 for coupling the saddle to a structure to befloated. Saddle mount 317 is coupled, for instance welded, to saddle311. Further, the saddle 311 is coupled at each end of its longitudinalaxis to first and second flanges 313. Flanges 313 are further coupled tofirst and second external clamp plates 315. Each external clamp plate315 has bolt holes that are adapted to be aligned with and bolted to oneor more internal clamp plates 321 via fastening mechanisms such as bolts325. Internal clamp plates 321 may be coupled to an inner sidewall of apontoon, such as pontoon 101, using fasteners 327. Alternatively,internal clamp plates 321 may be permanently affixed to the innersidewall aligned at attachment points that receive bold 325 through theboltholes in external clamp plates 315. Components of saddle 311 such asflange 313 and external clamp plates 315 may be welded or otherwiseconnected together from several different pieces. In the presentexemplary embodiment, four internal clamp plates are shown, as well asfasteners to fasten the clamp plates, the fasteners including bolts,washers, and nuts, however, any number of clamp plates, and any type offastener, will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art inlight of this disclosure.

FIG. 3B shows saddle 311 being coupled to a pontoon 301, according to anexemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure. The bolt holes on eachexternal clamp plate 315 are aligned with corresponding attachmentpoints 309 on the sidewall 303 of pontoon 301. Internal clamp plates 321and nuts/receivers for bolts 325 are aligned with attachment points 309on an inside surface of wall 303, and the external and internal clampplates are bolted together, clamping sidewall 303 in between them. Asshown, pontoon 301 (and, correspondingly, flanges 315) has a cylindricalshape, however, other shapes and configurations may be evident to one ofordinary skill in the art in light of this disclosure.

FIGS. 4A-4C show views of a saddle 411, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the subject disclosure. FIG. 4A shows a top view of saddle411 having a saddle mount 417, flange 413, and external clamp plate 415having drilled thereon a bolt hole 419. The dimensions of an exemplarysaddle are shown in this figure in inches. For instance, a length ofsaddle 411, measured as the distance between flanges 413, may be 48inches. Saddle mount 417 may be 12.72 inches in length, and 10.72 inchesin width. A thickness of flange 413 may be ¼ inch, while a width ofexternal clamp plate 415 may be 8 inches. Other dimensions are possible,as well as alternative fastening mechanisms including bolt holes, nuts,or studs for receiving nuts or other fasteners in any combination at theattachment points.

FIG. 4B shows a side view of saddle 411. It can be observed that theflange 413 attaches perpendicularly to external clamp plate 415, theexternal clamp plate 415 having bolt holes 419 to be aligned withattachment points of a pontoon sidewall.

FIG. 4C shows a front view of saddle 411. A structure to be supported iscoupled to a top surface of saddle mount 417. It can be observed thatthe external clamp plate 415 is curved along flange 413 to conform tothe sidewall of a cylindrical pontoon, however, other shapes andconfigurations are possible. Further, bolt holes or attachment points414 are used to coupled the flange to the saddle 411. Alternatively,these may be weld points.

FIGS. 5A-5B show a saddle mount 517, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the subject disclosure. The figure shows the dimensions ofan exemplary saddle mount 517, as well as positioning and dimensions ofbolt holes for attaching structures to be floated by the pontoon. Forinstance, the exemplary saddle mount 517 has a length of 12.75 inches, awidth of 10.75 inches, and a thickness of 0.63 inches. The bolt holeshave a diameter of 0.81 inches.

FIGS. 6A-6B show a flange 514 for coupling an external clamp plate to asaddle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure.FIG. 6A shows dimensions of an exemplary flange and bolt holes, whileFIG. 6B shows a side view and a thickness dimension for the flange. Forinstance, a bottom surface of flange 514 is shaped like an arc with aradius of 15.38 inches, enabling coupling to a similarly curved externalclamp plate and, therefore, a pontoon having a similar radius ofcurvature. Other dimensions provided, while specific to the exemplaryembodiment of FIGS. 6A-6B, may vary with other embodiments andconfigurations, depending on the application.

FIGS. 7A-7B show views of a cross beam 712 of a saddle such as saddle411, according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure.Dimensions are shown for an exemplary cross beam 712 having arectangular cross-section. FIG. 7A shows the cross beam from a sideview. FIG. 7B shows the cross beam from a front view. The cross beam isused to couple on either end to flanges and, at a center, to a saddlemount.

FIGS. 8A-8D show views of an external clamp plate 815 of a saddle,according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure. FIG. 8Ashows a front view of external clamp plate 815. The external clamp platecomprises a sheet of metal that is curved with a radius of curvature toconform to an external surface of a cylindrical pontoon sidewall. Theexemplary embodiment shown extends from −52.5 degrees to +52.5 degreesfrom a normal or vertical line. In other words, external clamp plate 815aligns with the top 105 degrees of a pontoon sidewall having a similarradius of curvature. External clamp plate 815 includes bolt holes 819which are situated at −45 degrees and +45 degrees from the normal line.This arrangement ensures that the saddle and any other corrodiblecomponents remain above a water line. In exemplary embodiments, thewater line is typically between 50-60% of a height of the pontoon undera load of a structure. Therefore, the exemplary bolt holes correspond toattachment points that ensure the external clamp plate 815 and anyfastening mechanisms stay above said water line when the pontoon isunder a load.

FIG. 8B shows a perspective view (from the bottom) of an external clampplate. FIG. 8C shows a side view of the external clamp plate, includingdimensions and distances for the bolt holes. For instance, bolt holes819 may be situated 1.5 inches away from an edge of external clamp plate815. FIG. 8D shows a flattened external clamp plate 815, i.e. a shape ofthe external clamp plate before it is curved to the radius of curvatureof the pontoon to be fitted as shown in FIG. 8A. As provided herein andthroughout this disclosure, the shape of the external clamp plate may bemodified, for instance by forming a flat sheet of metal, to conform toan outer sidewall of a pontoon, with bolt holes being provided to alignwith attachment points that ensure that the external clamp plate and anyfastening mechanisms remain above a water line while the pontoon isfloating a structure.

FIGS. 9A-9C show views of an internal clamp plate 921, according to anexemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure. FIG. 9A shows a sideview of internal clamp plate 921, highlighting the curvature of theinternal clamp plate, and showing a thickness dimension. For instance,internal clamp plate 921 is curved with a radius of curvature of 14.13inches, and has a thickness of 0.38 inches. Further, bolt hole 929 isaligned with attachment points on an inner surface of a pontoonsidewall.

FIG. 9B shows a front view of the internal clamp plate having flat topand bottom edges, and curved left and right edges. The internal clampplate has two large bolt holes 929 close to the center of the plate forreceiving a fastening mechanism via attachment points on a pontoon,enabling internal clamp plate 921 to be fastened to a saddle. Further,smaller bolt holes 926 enable internal clamp plate 921 to be coupled toreceiving bolt holes, threaded holes, nuts, etc. coupled to an innersurface of the pontoon sidewall. For instance, internal clamp plate 921may be attached to the pontoon sidewall via bolt holes 926, with boltholes 929 being aligned with attachment points for being fastened to anexternal clamp plate residing against an outer sidewall of the pontoon.

FIG. 9C shows exemplary dimensions for the internal clamp plate and boltholes 926 and 929. These dimensions are for manufacturing an internalclamp plate 921 before curving internal clamp plate 921. Oncemanufactured according to the dimensioning in FIG. 9C, internal clampplate 921 may be curved to match the inner sidewall of a pontoon.Although bolt holes are shown that accommodate bolts, other fasteningmechanisms are possible.

FIGS. 10A-10B show views of an internal clamp plate 1021 having a nut1023, according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure.FIG. 10A shows a side view of a nut 1023 coupled to a concave or innerside of internal clamp plate 1021. Nut 1023 is adapted to receive a boltto fasten internal clamp plate 1021 to the external clamp plate of asaddle, thereby clamping a pontoon sidewall between them. Nut 1023 iswelded or otherwise permanently coupled to internal clamp plate 1021.Nut 1023 must be coupled to the concave side so as not to be in betweeninternal clamp plate 1021 and the pontoon sidewall when assembled. Inother words, the nut is positioned opposite to the side of internalclamp plate 1021, with internal clamp plate 1021 being positionedadjacent an internal surface of the pontoon sidewall. FIG. 10B shows afront view of the internal clamp plate with a coupled nut, as well as adimension for the nut. Bolt holes 1026 enable internal clamp plate 1021to be coupled the inner surface of a pontoon sidewall, with nuts 1029being adapted to receive a bolt to fasten internal clamp plate 1021 toan external clamp plate of a saddle.

FIGS. 11A-11B show views of attachment points on a pontoon 1101,according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure. FIG. 11Ashows the attachment points located −45 and +45 degrees from the normalalong the upper sidewall of pontoon 1101. The pontoon centerline ishalfway up the pontoon. When supporting structures in water, the waterlevel may rise as high as three-fifths of a height of pontoon 1101. Thisposition of the attachment points ensures that any steel components suchas the nuts, bolts, and clamp plates included in a saddle remain abovethe water line. Internal clamp plates 1121 are shown affixed or coupledto an inner sidewall 1105 of pontoon 1101. These internal clamp plates1121 may be coupled to the inner sidewall 1105 using any of the methodsdescribed above, such as using bolt holes 1026. Internal clamp platesmay also include receiving bolt holes or nuts to enable fastening to anexternal clamp plate of a saddle, the external clamp plates having boltholes aligning with the attachment points as described above. FIG. 11Bshows a side view of pontoon 1101 with internal clamp plates 1121aligned with attachment points 1109. Each internal clamp plate 1121 hastwo bolt holes enabling coupling with an external clamp plate of asaddle, and may include nuts coupled to each bolt hole. Further,dimensions of an exemplary pontoon are shown with a length of 10 feet 9inches.

FIGS. 12A-12B show means for fastening an internal clamp plate 1221 to apontoon 1201, according to an exemplary embodiment of the subjectdisclosure. FIG. 12A shows bolts 1227 being used to affix or coupleinternal clamp plate 1221 to pontoon sidewall 1201. These bolts 1221 areused to simply hold internal clamp plate 1221 in position until thesaddle can be fastened to internal clamp plate 1221 via, for instance, anut 1223 coupled to internal clamp plate 1221. Nut 1223 may be welded tointernal clamp plate 1221 prior to bolting internal clamp plate to thesidewall. FIG. 12B shows dimensions of an exemplary internal clamp plate1201 having nuts 1223 welded thereon, and temporary bolt holes 1026enabling attachment to the pontoon sidewall.

FIGS. 13A-13D show views of an internal clamp plate 1331 having verticalstuds 1333, according to an exemplary embodiment of the subjectdisclosure. FIG. 13A shows a top view of internal clamp plate 1331,including an inner plate curved to match the inner surface of thepontoon sidewall, and four studs 1333 that are adapted to align withattachment points on the pontoon sidewall. The studs travel through boltholes positioned at the attachment points, and are attached to a saddle,for instance by being inserted through bolt holes within the externalclamp plates of a saddle, or by any other means. This internal clampplate is relatively larger that the previously disclosed internal clampplates, and clamps more material. FIG. 13B shows the curvature ofinternal clamp plate 1331, which matches the inner surface of a pontoonsidewall. FIG. 13C shows a side view of internal clamp plate 1331. FIG.13D shows a perspective view of internal clamp plate 1331. Studs 1333are parallel to each other, enabling insertion of the studs through boltholes positioned at attachment points on the pontoon sidewall duringassembly.

In this manner, the corrodible components (including the internalmounting plates and the saddle with the external mounting plates) arealso maintained above the water line. Consequently, their contact withthe water is minimized, reducing corrosion. Further, plastic componentsmay be welded on top of the pontoon, and external clamp plates of asaddle fastened to the welded plastic on the pontoon. The presenteddevices and methods may be applied not only to pontoons but also tosubmersible ballast tanks.

The foregoing disclosure of the exemplary embodiments of the presentsubject disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the subjectdisclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations andmodifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent toone of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above disclosure. Thescope of the subject disclosure is to be defined only by the claimsappended hereto, and by their equivalents.

Further, in describing representative embodiments of the present subjectdisclosure, the specification may have presented the method and/orprocess of the present subject disclosure as a particular sequence ofsteps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not relyon the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or processshould not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. Asone of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences ofsteps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps setforth in the specification should not be construed as limitations on theclaims. In addition, the claims directed to the method and/or process ofthe present subject disclosure should not be limited to the performanceof their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art canreadily appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remainwithin the spirit and scope of the present subject disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pontoon assembly for floating a structure abovea water line, the pontoon assembly comprising: a pontoon having asidewall and a plurality of attachment points along the sidewall; aninternal clamp plate coupled to an inner surface of the sidewall andaligned with one of the attachment points; a saddle on an outer surfaceof the sidewall, the saddle including bolt holes aligned with theplurality of attachment points; and a fastener to couple the saddle tothe internal clamp plate at the one of the attachment points; whereinthe attachment points are situated such that the saddle is entirelyabove a water line when the pontoon is floating a structure.
 2. Thepontoon assembly in claim 1, wherein the fastener is a bolt insertedthrough a bolt hole of the saddle, the one attachment point in thesidewall of the pontoon, and the internal clamp plate.
 3. The pontoonassembly in claim 2, further comprising a nut to receive the bolt, thenut being coupled to the internal clamp plate on a side of the internalclamp plate opposite the inner surface of the sidewall.
 4. The pontoonassembly in claim 1, wherein the saddle includes a plurality of externalclamp plates, each external clamp plate including a means for couplingwith the internal clamp plate via the attachment points.
 5. The pontoonassembly in claim 1, wherein the pontoon is made from high-densitypolyethylene (HDPE).
 6. The pontoon assembly in claim 1, wherein thesaddle and the plurality of internal clamp plates are made from steel.7. The pontoon assembly in claim 1, wherein the plurality of attachmentpoints is located at any point along the sidewall that is higher thanthree-fifths of a height of the pontoon.
 8. The pontoon assembly inclaim 1, wherein the sidewall is cylindrical.
 9. The pontoon assembly inclaim 8, wherein the plurality of attachment points is located at anypoint along the sidewall that is less than sixty degrees away from thetop of the sidewall.
 10. A saddle for coupling a structure to a pontoon,the saddle comprising: a cross beam coupled to an external clamp plate,the external clamp plate including a bolt hole that is placed adjacentan attachment point on an outer surface of a sidewall of a pontoon; anda fastener inserted into the bolt hole of the external clamp plate andmating with a receiving portion of an internal clamp plate situated onan inner surface of the sidewall of the pontoon and aligned with theattachment point such that the sidewall is clamped between the externalclamp plate and the internal clamp plate; wherein the internal clampplate is situated such that the saddle is entirely above a water linewhen the pontoon is floating a structure, the structure being coupled tothe saddle.
 11. The saddle in claim 10, wherein the fastener is a boltgoing through the bolt hole, the sidewall of the pontoon, and theinternal clamp plate.
 12. The saddle of claim 11, wherein the receivingportion of the internal clamp plate include a nut being coupled to aninside surface of the internal clamp plate.
 13. The saddle in claim 11,further comprising a saddle mount that is coupled to a structure to befloated by the pontoon.
 14. The saddle in claim 10, wherein the internalclamp plate is aligned with a plurality of attachment points on thesidewall of the pontoon.
 15. The saddle in claim 10, wherein theinternal clamp plate is located at any point along the inner surface ofthe sidewall that is higher than three-fifths of a height of thepontoon.
 16. The saddle in claim 10, wherein the sidewall iscylindrical.
 17. The saddle in claim 16, wherein internal clamp plate islocated at any point along the internal surface of the sidewall that isless than sixty degrees away from the top of the sidewall.
 18. A methodfor floating a structure above a water line, the method comprising:placing an internal clamp plate on an inner surface of a sidewall of apontoon; placing a saddle on an outer surface of the sidewall, thesaddle being aligned with the internal clamp plate; and fastening thesaddle to the internal clamp plate using a fastener inserted through thesaddle and the sidewall and being received by the internal clamp platesuch that the sidewall is clamped between the internal clamp plate andthe saddle; wherein the internal clamp plate is positioned such that thesaddle is entirely above a water line when the pontoon is floating thestructure.
 19. The method in claim 18, further comprising coupling thestructure to be floated to the saddle via a saddle mount.
 20. The methodin claim 19, further comprising bolting an external clamp plate of thesaddle to the internal clamp plate, the bolt being inserted through thesidewall at the attachment point.